Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful morning treat that combines flaky croissants with a luscious custard and fresh mixed berries. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion, this baked casserole offers a balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The dish is simple to prepare ahead of time, allowing the croissants to soak up the custard overnight for an extra-rich taste, then baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes (excluding soaking time; overnight soaking recommended)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 croissants, slightly stale or a day old
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy boost
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters and arrange them layer by layer in the baking dish, overlapping pieces slightly to create texture and depth.
- Add Berries: Evenly sprinkle the mixed berries over the layered croissants to distribute the fruity flavor throughout the bake.
- Make Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and berries. Gently press down the bread pieces so they fully absorb the liquid. Allow to sit for 15–20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for a deeper soak.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and the custard is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Dust the top with powdered sugar and optionally add whipped cream or maple syrup for extra richness and sweetness.
Notes
- Using slightly stale or day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better without turning soggy.
- You can prepare the bake the night before and refrigerate it to save time in the morning.
- Feel free to substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter bake.
- Adding lemon zest enhances the flavor by adding a fresh citrus note.
- Top with whipped cream or maple syrup for a decadent finish.
Keywords: berry croissant bake, breakfast casserole, baked custard, croissant breakfast, brunch recipes, berry breakfast bake
